A west Savannah voter is challenging businessman Ruel Joyner’s qualifications to run for the District 1 seat on the Savannah City Council.

Kenneth Dunham, a past president of the West Savannah Community Organization, filed the challenge Thursday because he doesn’t believe the address Joyner provided, 24 E. Broughton St., is his “primary and legal residence.”

Clerk of Council Dyanne Reese, who is the superintendent of Savannah’s municipal elections, has notified Joyner a hearing will be scheduled to determine his legal residence. She will have sole authority in the decision.

Dunham says he supports the incumbent, Alderman Van Johnson, but that wasn’t his main reason for challenging Joyner.

“I don’t know much about his interest in west Savannah,” Dunham said. “He’s not a resident of west Savannah. I know that.”

The first district covers portions of the city near Pooler, then jumps over Garden City to include west Savannah, historic downtown and parts of the Victorian area and Cuyler-Brownville.

Joyner owns 24e, a furniture design studio on Broughton Street. He has listed his address there since he was 16, he said, and his daughter went to a school in District 1.

“The first district is just as much my home as anyone else on council representing District 1,” he said. “I have cut my teeth on Broughton Street.”

When he announced his candidacy, he disclosed he was using an apartment above the store as his residence. His driver’s license has that address and his Chatham County voter registration lists that address.

Both are used to help determine residency.

Chatham County voter registration records show he changed his registration May 8 from a Tybee Island address.

Under city ordinance, a candidate must be a resident of the district at least six months prior to the election.

By changing his registration on May 8, Joyner will have been a registered city voter six months to the day of the Nov. 8 election.

Joyner says he consulted county election officials prior to filing, and he is confident his qualification will be upheld.

“We’re going to go back and defend this vigorously,” he said. “I want to bring service back to public service.”

Reese is following Georgia Election Code in handling the challenge. The state code cites 15 steps for determining residence, including that if a person makes another municipality his place of residence, he or she will lose residency in the previous city.

It further states that a hearing officer may consider evidence of where a candidate receives personal bills, the address stated for income tax purposes and the residence of spouses and children in determining residence.

Joyner and Dunham could appeal Reese’s decision to Chatham County Superior Court, but election law allows limited grounds.

Joyner says he will appeal if necessary: “We’ll take it as high as it needs to go.”

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I've had the opportunity to speak to Ruel Joyner on several occasions. It was my understanding that he owns and operates the 24e furniture store; however, his actual house is located on the Islands. Of course, any business owner that is serious about his/her business and has the means would build a small studio atop their business for late nights, but, it does not justify primary residency. Additionally, Ruel just doesn't have what it takes to run District 1. That boy has bias and hidden agenda written all over his face. He does not have my support; I hope he loses!!!!!

Tonia Miller has been the best candidate thus far. She was born and raised in West Savannah, educated in Chatham County Public Schools, attended college in Savannah's university, taught in Savannah Chatham County Public Schools, her primary residence is in the neglected, Hudson Hill community, and she seems to be the most genuine.

I am not her croonie, nor do I know of her other than me attending the "Meet & Greet" at her HOUSE. She has a heart for the people and she has my vote!!!!!

Joyner, go home to your primary residence on the Islands. You may have fooled some, but not all!!!! TONIA MILLER for Alderwoman!!!!!

They are gonna fight like rabid dogs to hold on to the racist setup they have been exploiting for so long to the detriment of the taxpayers of Savannah. I am SO SICK OF THE BS, but we all knew stuff like this was gonna happen!!! Imagine what Otis would do if he were eligible to run again.

Please explain what you mean by "Additionally, Ruel just doesn't have what it takes to run District 1. That boy has bias and hidden agenda written all over his face." Is the bias and hidden agenda that "that boy" has based upon his melanin content? Seems to me you're just being a race baiter. I for one would not vote for someone who has not risen above the poverty in the Hudson Hill neighborhood, as you yourself have put it. Now we all know Ruel's primary residence is on Tybee and he's running to reinforce the modest success his facebook page had in shining a spotlight on Otis & his ways. Nothing more. But Ruel needs to be honest about that!

People, I would not write about something I don't know. I've spoken to Joyner personally. It was he that revealed that he build an apartment atop his business, but owns a home on the Islands. It was he who revealed that he is not a native of Savannah, better yet, Georgia. When asked about the Woodsville's community, it is he that said that he would have to get back to me....he didn't have enough information. He expressed to me that his primary reason for running was to get Van out of office. Idiot, it that your only reason for running???? Really??????

Again, Joyner just doesn't have what it takes to restore District 1, he doesn't even know enough about the communites that lie in District 1....he's a joke.

On the other hand, Tonia Miller HAS risen above Hudson Hill. She has a Masters' Degree for Armstrong Atlantic State University and teaches in Savannah Chatham Public Schools, she chooses to live in Hudson Hill....she doesn't have to. She loves her community. She is genuine, she has INVITED the COMMUNITY to her personal residence. She is my pick! Tonia Miller for Alderwoman!!!!!!!!!!

I sure hope that something keeps that man out of office... I was at the SCCPSS Board meeting when he resigned and it was all I could do not to puke on my shoes. It was like a campaign party, he is so full of crap.

He did a pretty mediocre job on the SCCPSS board and even goes around spreading mis-information about things he should know about. Not to mention his ghetto ties with Frozen Paradise. NO FLOYD EITHER! Maybe I want someone that "looks like me" for a change! (I really don't care WHAT who looks like, just tired of the racist BS!)

What a pathetic reason to run. He has done nothing for District 1 other than complain about Van being in office. He knows nothing about District 1, he couldn't even tell me where "Frogtown" was located, the nimwit was standing in it (chuckles.) This has nothing to do with race; it has everything to do with the most qualified candidate....her name is Tonia Miller.

Again, when the lights are turned off, when business is closed, when holidays come....you know where your real home is located Joyner. By the way, I really like the Five Guys Burger restuarant built on the Islands. The food is great!!!!! Ruel, maybe you should push for an Islands Chik-Fil-A!!!! GO HOME!!!!!!!

and serves the district. He will work harder than anyone and I do not know a person less influenced by undisclosed agendas. Anyone running for offiice/in office has an agenda. The question is; how much of it do they disclose to their district residents, business owners and all interested parties.

Anyone can target votes/residents whose support they need, then craft a campaign message/image that "sells" best. That is what most pols do. But we needs leaders today not poularity contests. One thing anyone can be sure of is that Ruel is going to say and do what he believes. so if you like his message, what he stands for etc. then you will know what you are voting for (or against if you don t like it) with Ruel.

Ruel is too independant of a personaility to cater to anyone trying to influence him in a direction he does not want to go on his own accord.

The bottom line is; i support Ruel and regrdless of each indivduals preference re issues and candidates, the 1st district is fortuante to have Ruel involved in the race- win lose or draw. His caandicay has and will highlight issues important to most or all Savannahians (in and out of the distrcit as the 1st is important to the region).

I can and do respect any person who is sincere in their stated political/communitty beleives even if my own were polar opposite. Although I agree w Ruel on most issues, I would respect him the same even if i did not.

If most of our elected officals (and those that run for office), did nothing more than sincerely support and beleive what they communicate publicly to voters, our community/country would begin to get healthier immediately.

Instead of bashing candidates in this race or others, just try to hold them accountable and try to find out what they realy stand for- that can take alot of work, dilligence and research for most candidates- but, in regards to Ruel it is easy to know what he stands for, just ask him if you don t know already.

Will someone out there let me know what Van Johnson believes/stands for etc. What is his vision for the 1st district? I am aware of a variety of actions he has taken in office an did not agree w many, but i am not sure of his vision for the 1st and how those actions support it. I think it would be good for all voters to compare the 2 candidates ideals and waht ehy have done to attain them

He pays over $25,000 a year in property taxes. He employees 5-9 people in the private sector. His business collects more in sales taxes than most of us make in a year. I think he has paid the right to represent his tax dollars.

And, he does NOT live on Tybee. He USED to, waaaaay back when he was a young lad. AND...it was his parent's home.
Sure WISH he was running for office on Tybee....but oh well, we are stuck with what we always get. Least with Ruel you Savannians will have some new (intelligent and focused) enthusiasm in helping move Savannah forward.(Well, "trying" to move her forward.) Gonna be a tough row to hoe.

"It was he who revealed that he is not a native of Savannah, better yet, Georgia."

Make-it-right... you are so WRONG it isnt even funny. And you do not have to be a native to Savannah or GA to run for office.

I have lived here my entire life (NATIVE wooooo!) and wouldn't know Frogtown if I was standing in it either. I bet this talk you had with Ruel was because he was beating the streets for his campaign... I saw the soles of the man's shoes myself, and he is putting in some real legwork! Pardon the PUNT. ahhaaha

If my husband were successful and I had two small children not yet in school I would certainly not mind staying at the (sure to be totally and fantastically furnished) downtown pad... I think y'all are just JEALOUS!

My name is Tonia Miller. I am running for 1st District Alderman. Last time I checked, this is not a popularity contest, nor a high school superlative. The citizens of Savannah are being asked to vote for representatives of their District to represent them and address their issues and concerns at City Hall. It is the responsibility of the citizens of each District to assess their community conditions and decide whether their present representation has been an asset or a detriment to their current community conditions. Have the issues that have been presented listened to and some form of action taken?

Those who are elected in any office are to serve all persons within the area that they are voted to serve. ALL MEANS ALL! The 1st District is a NEGLECTED, DIVIDED, and DYING District! Aldermanic voters vote for their entire district; not just their neighborhoods. So, it is important to take a look throughout the District. Many businesses and residential areas have been PACIFIED and NOT SATISFIED. This feeling is expressed across the District, especially in the areas that are of low income and deprived of necessary community services, that would cause those neighborhoods to thrive. WE ALL HAVE NEEDS! But, how can one expect the District to work together (BUSINESS AND RESIDENTIAL) for CHANGE FOR EVERYONE, if no one is willing to have intelligent, logical, and respectable conversations to network or converse about issues that concern us? Is this not representative of what is exactly occurring in City Hall now? I am focused on PROGRESS and not FOOLISHNESS! Less TALK more ACTION! That's Me!

You want change? Vote! Voting is a RIGHT, a RESPONSIBILITY, and an INVESTMENT! Have you received a return on your investment? Have you received the services that you feel are due for your tax dollars?

If you have, then, keep your current representative. If not, vote for change. Change that represents the direction and the vision that you see for your community. This is a vote based on who you feel will do the best job to represent you and the ENTIRE district.

I am definitely jealous. If I were married and I had the means, it would be nice to have another residence. I'm only saying it doesn't really make sense. I'm voting for Ruel but I think it's fair to examine things from all angles. From what I understand his oldest child is in public school so that kind of throws that out of the window. Is she in school in 24 E's district? That doesn't really matter but its another red flag. The law should be changed so that if you own a business in that district you should be eligible to run in that district. It's still a law that has to be followed, especially if you're running for a government office. Does the loft above the store have a full kitchen? Stove, refrigerator, bathroom? It may, I just feel like we should know whether it's a legitimate apartment. I think it's cool that he has that, though, and I relaly think he would be the most successful person at the job. Just be up front.

"A few pictures of dilapidated PRIVATE properties that I suppose she believes that the taxpayers have a responsibility to repair."

The $400k crappy "nun" shack is enough to get my blood boiling... I certainly do not want to fund renovations for a bunch of old, neglected, and abused private residences... I have to spend my hard earned money to fix my house, which was abandoned for almost 3 years with a huge whole in the roof, right in the middle. I am QUITE CERTAIN the COS has no interest in helping me fund my renovations and prob would give me more trouble than anything were I even to make them aware of the condition my home was/is in.

Personally, someone who makes a bunch of money and is not in it to be the center of attention sounds like a much better choice to make decisions on behalf of the taxpayers.

Ok first off, I wasn't specifically calling you out callia, just saying in general that ppl are prob jealous.

As for this... "Does the loft above the store have a full kitchen? Stove, refrigerator, bathroom? It may, I just feel like we should know whether it's a legitimate apartment. "

I seriously doubt that a man who makes at LEAST 6 figures would have any dwelling without all the bells and whistles... Have you ever been in his store??? The 2nd level is the "bargain" center and by bargain I am talking $2000 for a couch that was $5000 to begin with... Let's be real. I am sure his "apartment" kitchen rivals all of our own. Since when is owning an entire building on Broughton considered an apartment??

You do not have to go to school in your district, as there are many schools that are county wide. You should think before you submit... Making sense to a common citizen is not something the wealthy concern themselves with when deciding to have a 2nd home. The two places are a good 20 miles apart from one another, and I think business owners prob spend more time at work than an employee would.. it's all about investment and making sure it pays off.

According to the County Tax Assesor, George R. Joyner (Ruel to his friends) does own, amongst several other properties, this lovely home a stones throw from the Ocean at Tybee (paste the link to your browser for the property card and a photo)

I suppose he is more modest than I. if I had a beach house I wouldn't live in an apartment above a furniture store on Broughton Street, but apparently he does, because his license and voter registraiioin card which was changed 6 months to the day of the election says he does !!!

As an example, someone moves here from out of town. They've been here for 3 months and you think they should be allowed to run for office? Can't do anything about his racist rants months ago or the fact he doesn't stand a chance in this election but elevator shoes give any short man better standing. Elections are cheap advertising when you can't buy tv time anymore. I will give him that.

Have we forgotten about the fantastic $29,377.03 trip Van and his cronies took to China? I like to "sightsee" like anyone else, but when you bring city dollars into it, it's a sham. What could $30k do for the district? Alot. And lets not forget one more detail, these clowns CHANGED their flights on the way home, giving only more time for sightseeing! Question: Who changes return flights without a pending emergency? Answer: People that don't have to pay for it, that's who...

Ummmm...that prop card is that of Ruel's PARENTS...been their home for as long as I can remember. And really....I imagine having more than one residence is not uncommon among our elected officials.Those that have good investment sense anyway.
And what are those other prop card links? Confusing...
What's point anyway?

If so, then please consider taking just a few minutes to look into what he actually has to say for and about himself.

With all the mean-spirited comments, inaccurate information, intentional deceptions and wild theories flying around this message board over the past few days, it's worth pointing out that so far, Ruel is the ONLY candidate for District 1 Alderman who has been interviewed at length *and on-the-record* regarding his rationale for entering this race, his disappointment (as a taxpaying citizen) with the current representation of his district, and his vision for how to move ALL areas of District 1 forward into a more equitable and prosperous future.

Now that a legal process has been used to challenge Ruel's eligibility for this particular office, it is in the hands of his attorney and the Clerk of Council. That's the way our system works, and as long as it operates properly and transparently, we're all the better for it.

Until the results of this pending hearing are known, he'll prudently make no further comments on the matter, other than to stress that he looks forward to getting back to the very important business of finding and electing new, motivated, well-suited, even-handed and open-minded representation for District 1.

However, in case some of you have not noticed, he's already spoken candidly and quite bluntly about the problems Savannah is facing - and why uplifting and uniting ALL disenfranchised voters of District 1 (no matter WHICH neighborhood they call home) is key to getting our city back on track.

Below are links to each of the videos he has released to date - including his latest, which just went online this morning.

We welcome your interest, and as always, humbly ask for the support and votes of all who feel that of the three candidates for this position, Ruel is best-equipped and most suited to offer ALL residents of District 1 the chance to have their voices and concerns heard (and acted upon) by Savannah City Council.

I cannot believe the amount of misinformation in these comments - wow!

Ruel is from Savannah. Ruel's wife is not Sarah. Ruel holds the proper residency requirements to run in this election. Ruel could have chosen an at-large position with a slamdunk win, but he opted for District 1 because he believes in this city and lord knows, District 1 needs help.

The last time I checked, you vote for a candidate based on the person, what they fight for, what they believe in, what they want to accomplish while in office and NOT their friends, where they went to school, the hospital they were born in or who they selected to help with their campaign.

This is my city - this is our city. Savannah needs help right now. Savannah needs good, strong people to stand up and fight to make Savannah the best it can be. For years we have had administrations who care only about lining their pockets and putting their friends and special intrest group members in positions they did not earn or deserve.

It's time for change. A change in leadership will be the best thing that can happen for Savannah!